He added 10 rebounds and two blocked shots in nearly 30 minutes of action.

After early-season struggles, it's obvious the rookie from Arizona is growing more comfortable at the offensive end.

But it was the defensive shortcomings when the Pistons almost coughed up a 28-point lead that drew a considerable amount of attention from Van Gundy. Van Gundy's disdain was quite noticeable during the game after several defensive lapses.

"He played well tonight offensively," Van Gundy said. "Defensively he wasn't very good, but offensively and on the boards he was very good.

"It seemed like they scored every point on him in the fourth quarter; no matter who he switch on to, that's who scored."

Johnson has made seven of his last nine three-pointers and he is starting to get more offensive opportunities for the Pistons (9-9).

"Offensively, he's finding his groove," Reggie Jackson said. "He's making open shots, he's not pressing, but using his God-given talent to help the team get shots and also helping himself.

"He's only 18 games in and he's taking strides already so we're happy to be getting what we're getting out of the 19-year-old and I think the sky's the limit for him."

Johnson admitted that he is still getting used to the professional grind. He slept until 4:30 on Monday afternoon.

But is he having fun?

"I'm 19, so that's a question for (veterans) Joel Anthony or Steve Blake," Johnson said. "It's fun; every night I look around and I'm playing against the best players in the world every night. I'm blessed really to be in the situation that I am. I'm having a lot of fun."

Notes: With the double-double, Johnson joins five other rookies (Karl-Anthony Towns, Kristaps Porzingis, Jahlil Okafor, Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic) as rookies with at least a 20-point game and a double-double. … Jackson went over 3,000 points for his career. … Anthony Tolliver played in his 400th career game. … Marcus Morris left the game in the first half after taking a shot to the back. He was in obvious pain on the floor, but returned to the Pistons bench under his own power. He returned just before halftime and had a season-high six assists.

Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) goes up for a shot against Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the fourth quarter of the Pistons' 116-105 win over the Rockets Monday at the Palace. Raj Mehta USA TODAY Sports

Rockets forward Marcus Thornton (10) drives to the basket against Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) during the third quarter of the Pistons' 116-105 win over the Rockets Monday at the Palace. Raj Mehta USA TODAY Sports

Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) is defended by Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during the second quarter of the Pistons' 116-105 win over the Rockets Monday at the Palace. Raj Mehta USA TODAY Sports

Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) watches as guard Reggie Jackson (1) is called on a foul on Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of the Pistons' 116-105 win over the Rockets Monday at the Palace. Carlos Osorio AP

Rockets center Clint Capela (15) shoots over the defense of Pistons center Aron Baynes (12) and forward Anthony Tolliver during the first half of the Pistons' 116-105 win over the Rockets Monday at the Palace. Carlos Osorio AP

Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) makes a three point shot against Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) during the second quarter of the Pistons' 116-105 win over the Rockets Monday at the Palace. Raj Mehta USA TODAY Sports

Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as he is guarded by Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills Monday. Raj Mehta USA TODAY Sports